Dr. Richard Scartozzi
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery
Danbury, CT
21 years experience male
Locations
Danbury Eye Physicians & Surgeons
New Milford, CT
Phone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Anthem BC Life & Health Insurance Company
Cigna
ConnectiCare Health Plans
First Health Group Corporation
Medicaid
Medicare
MultiPlan, Inc
Oxford Health Plans
Tricare
UnitedHealthcare
Danbury Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Danbury, CT
Greater Waterbury Retina
Prospect, CT
About
Bio
Dr Richard Scartozzi, MD, FACS, FICS, FAAO, FAPCR, CPI, specializes in diseases & surgery of the retina & vitreous including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes & puckers, retinal detachments & tears, eye floaters, complications of cataract surgery, uveitis, retinal vascular occlusions, sutureless vitrectomy surgery, macular eye vitamins, etc. as a Practice Partner at Danbury Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Principal investigator for several retinal clinical trials including the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net). Clinical Instructor at the Yale School of Medicine. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new hea
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery
Retinal Surgery
Doctor Q&A
617 Answers
568 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See a retina doctor: It may be an ocular migraine, but a good dilated retinal exam is recommended to make sure you don't have a retinal issue causing that symptom.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: Though it is less likely, it is not impossible. Get a dilated retinal exam please.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See a doctor: You need to see your primary care provider to ascertain why you feel this way and what you need done.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: It depends if permanent damage was done. You need to see an eye doctor asap. You risk vision loss if you do not.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: Most likely you have a refractive error that may need glasses/contact. You should get your eyes examined by an eye doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Two types: 1. Dry age-related macular degeneration: treated with areds2 vitamins, tobacco cessation. 2. Wet age-related macular degeneration: intravitreal injec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: Double vision requires an eye doctor evaluation to determine the cause, course, and possible treatment (as some causes can be serious). Please see an ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: To rule out a retinal detachment, you need a dilated retinal exam, sooner rather than later.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Normal: This is a common and normal phenomenom (red reflex). That's why there is a "red eye" feature on most digital cameras. You probably have large pupils. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: There are lots of reasons for this, some more urgent than others. You need to see and eye doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: New or worse eye floaters require and urgent dilated retinal examination. See the eye doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
No: The earliest manifestation of this disease can be seen on a dilated retinal examination in one's forties, not before, assuming the correct diagnosis o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: It can be days or weeks. If it persists beyond 6 months, and is cosmetically or functionally noticeable, then eyelid surgery can be performed to try t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: You could have 20/20 for distance vision, but need reading glasses to see well up close (this is called presbyopia and happens to everyone starting in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: It is possible. New or worse flashes or floaters or a curtain/veil in your vision requires an urgent dilated retinal exam.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old male asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor.: New or worse floaters require an urgent dilated retinal exam by an eye doctor to rule out a retinal issue. Do not delay.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: The typical dilation drops used in the office for examination last for several hours after (longer in lighter-eyed individuals). Other therapeutic dil... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Pars plana vitrectomy (ppv) is performed by using small instruments that pass through the white of the eye (sclera). The vitrector is used to cut up a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
No: In fact, chronic eye rubbing can damage your eyes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Intracranial hypertension can cause swelling of the optic nerves = papilledema. This can cause permanent loss of vision and thus one's intracranial pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Get checked: You need to get a dilated exam right away with an ophthalmologist or retina specialist to rule out a potentially serious problem like a retinal tear o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Depends on cause: Pain is never normal. See your eye doctor to find the cause and the treatment for your pain. An atonic pupil by itself should not be painful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
No: Modern cataract surgery is almost always painless.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: When an ophthalmologist or optometrist sees diabetic retinopathy by doing a dilated retinal exam, a retina specialist can do further confirmatory test... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 72-year-old female asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Two types: 1. Dry: areds vitamins, tobacco cessation. 2. Wet: intravitreal injections of anti-vegf molecules like avastin, lucentis, (ranibizumab) or eylea.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
YES!: It could be a retinal problem like a retinal tear or detachment, or an ocular migraine. See an eye doctor and get a dilated retinal exam asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Retinal Hole: Laser lessens the risk of this retinal hole becoming a blinding retinal detachment, if you are unsure, get a second opinion from a good retina special... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: You may be a little light sensitive. Try to open those eyelids wide when you get your picture taken. You may have droopy eyelids and may want to consu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: You may have new/worse symptoms like flashes, floaters, or partial obstruction of your vision (like a veil or curtain). The only way to know is to hav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Go see an optometrist. Just call and make an appointment. They will examine you and do a refraction to see if you need glasses or contact lenses to se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Nothing prescription: Since this condition is viral, antibiotic eye drops will not help (they would if the condition was bacterial in origin). Anti-histamine drops can help... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: Never point a laser light at someone's eyes. It can cause permanent retinal/vision damage.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Buckle removal is done typically if the buckle is extruding through the conjunctiva (and is thus an infection risk) or if it causes recalcitrant doubl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: The physiologic (normal) blind spot is from the area of the retina that is occupied by the optic nerve. The brain "fills in" this missing circular are... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: As long as it's a new bottle; i.e., sterile. Also, do not use the drops exactly at the same time. Wait 5 minutes in between drops so you don't wash on... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Good: One needs good (20/20) vision in each eye, and both eyes have to work well together for good depth perception (stereopsis).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See your eye doctor: See your ophthalmologist to make sure you are healing correctly and not developing a complication like infection. They may also prescribe a topical NS... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: There are many things. You need to see an eye doctor, sooner rather than later. Please go.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See a retina special: If the pucker is severe enough, then vitrectomy surgery with membrane peel is how it is treated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: Contact lenses come in the toric variety also to relieve astigmatism. Ask your eye doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Depends: Do you have amblyopia (lazy eye)? Recurrence of tumor is rare but has been reported. Best to be followed by a good retina specialist in a regular fash... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Possibly: You should see your eye doctor to make sure. Poorly-fitting contact lenses can lead to an eye infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: An ophthalmologist is an md (went to medical school) who can treat medical and surgical diseases of the eye, in addition to prescribing glasses/contac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: You need to see an eye doctor. One of the most common manifestations of myasthenia gravis is ocular (lid droop and/or double vision).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: If your insurance requires a referral, you can get one from your primary care provider - just ask. Otherwise just make an appointment yourself.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Could be scleral icterus: a manifestation of jaundice. High blood levels of bilirubin due to liver or biliary disease can cause this. The underlying c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See below: Congenital color blindness is much more common in males since some (the red and green) of the color photopigments are on the x-chromosome (men only ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Several: All eye treatment for glaucoma (eye drops, laser, surgery) reduce intraocular pressure in order to prevent glaucoma damage from worsening. Laser (slt ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
No: The bones around your eye (orbital bones) prevent this from happening. These bones separate the eye from the brain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
See an eye doctor: A new floater in you vision necessitates a dilated retinal eye exam to rule out serious issues like retinal detachment... Asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
22
Recommendations
8.0K
Thank you notes
Nov 5, 2012
Great feed back and knowledgeable physician. Stimulating responses to a variety of health related issues. I recommend Dr. Scartozzi without reservation.
Nov 3, 2012
Keep up the great work. Great answers. Looking forward to supporting you and building your reputation. Ron (Oral surgeon, orlando).
Nov 24, 2012
Dr. Scartozzi is a good Dr..He take care of patients with compassion , love , dedicated and knowledgeable
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you your answers were very helpful for me I was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes still trying to adjust and learning what to eat an
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! I completely agree! Some things are not worth the money! I would rather be happy then be in horrible work situations!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I have not had any light flashes since sat. So I am waiting . The floaters seem to have calmed down
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD
Graduated 2002MD
Residency
LONG ISLAND JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER
Residency
Wills Eye Hospital
Awards
Clinical Instructor, Yale School of Medicine
Manuscript Reviewer, Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging journal
Manuscript Reviewer, Ophthalmology journal
Affiliations
American College of Surgeons, Fellow
American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fellow
American Society of Retina Specialists, Member
Publications
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after a lower extremity dog bite: a case report.
Bilateral improvement of persistent diffuse diabetic macular oedema after unilateral intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection.
Use of adjuncts in surgery and novel surgical approaches.
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